All Kentucky State Parks Remain Open During Federal Shutdown

All of the Commonwealth's 49 state parks remain open despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. Kentucky Parks Department spokesman Gil Lawson said it's easy for the public to confuse federally-run parks with those administered by the state.

"Many of our parks-like Barren River-are on Corps of Engineers lakes, and the federal campgrounds may be closed, but the state campgrounds will be open," said Lawson. "Sometimes they share the same lake and the same name, but we're just wanting to get the word out that all state park campgrounds and state park properties are open."

Lawson said all state-run campgrounds, restaurants, historic sites, lodges, and cabins remain open during their regular business hours.

Following the shutdown, every US national park and monument, from Yosemite National Park to the Smithsonian Museum to the Statue of Liberty, were immediately closed.